(PR.co.nz) IT consultancy Equinox Limited will launch a CCBA preparation programme in early 2011 to assist business analysts in passing a new intermediate certification for business analysts – the Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA).

“The Equinox programme is a response to the results of an online test we carried out to assess the ability of 80 business analysts in New Zealand” says Craig McLean, Equinox Business Analysis Practice Director. “The results highlighted that many participants would need to improve their knowledge of the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK®) if they wanted to pass the CCBA exam.” The results of the test were presented to participants at a special lunchtime session held by Equinox on 18 November 2010.

To help applicants prepare for the exam, Equinox will run the eight week CCBA preparation programme at its Wellington premises beginning in early 2011. Places will initially be offered for free to those participants of the online test who apply for registration. The programme will be facilitated by Equinox’s CBAP-qualified Principal Consultants and will use a question-driven approach to explore each of the BABOK’s six knowledge areas and their related analysis techniques.

“As an IIBA Charter Endorsed Education Provider we already deliver IIBA accredited training throughout New Zealand, and this programme is another way we are helping to develop the capability of the business analysis community in New Zealand” says McLean.

Developed by the International Institute of Business Analysis® (IIBA®), the CCBA certification will enable business analysts to attain recognition for their competency on the way to their attaining the more advanced Certified Business Analysis Professional® (CBAP®) certification. The IIBA have just started to accept applications for the CCBA exam, and the first candidates are expected to sit the new CCBA exam in January 2011. A CCBA Handbook is available from the IIBA website to provide applicants and exam candidates the information needed to understand the process to become certified.